Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day!

All thy works with joy surround thee,
earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
call us to rejoice in thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o’er us,
binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward,
in the triumph song of life.

Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. When people read that out loud, I always hear Wonderful Counselor, like He’s a really good counselor. But reading it with the comma is more fun. His name is Wonderful. Dear Wonderful, thank you for a great day. Be with me, Wonderful, I need some amazement in my life. It’s just a great name. And He would have the best business card:

Wonderful, Fun Technician

Heaven

Contact: just pray

And it would have three-dimensional fireworks that shoot off of it. And if you carried that card with you everywhere, your life would be…wonderful. He’s just good at that. I’m so glad my God’s name is Wonderful. He’s the best.

Discipline is a good thing. When I feel down, I know to still rejoice. When I am sad or depressed, I can still be thankful. Regardless of how I feel, I know you are true. I know that your promises are the wonder of the universe. How could I ever doubt that? So I am always grateful, even when the waiting brings sadness. Smiling through tears, as my old voice teacher used to say. Yes, I am grateful. There is no hope without you. In you, there is more than hope, there is joy today. There is being sheltered under your wings. There will be no need for that in heaven. Today we need your shelter, your grace, and so much more. Draw me into the more. We know so little. Show me a glimpse of the more. I have no idea what’s behind the curtain, but I will press in regardless. You are my life, my breath, my hope. Thank you for help when I need it. Help that will train me to be better at the things I need to do. I just want more of you. I want to hide in you and only come out when all the world is new and safe. Ok, I’ll be who you want me to be because I can trust in you like no other. Thank you for everything. Thank you for everything you do for me, for loving me completely.